The Small Business Association of Michigan’s Small Business Weekly Podcast

Michael W. Rogers
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The Small Business Association of Michigan’s Small Business Weekly Podcast

“The Small Business Association of Michigan’s Entrepreneurial Insights” every week presents a dynamic audio interview from a top-notch expert on entrepreneurial success. Hear great tips and advice on how to be a more effective small business owner. The program is hosted and produced by the Small Business Association of Michigan's Vice President Communications Michael Rogers

  1. How a furniture store supports their local community and local entrepreneurs

    3D AGO

    How a furniture store supports their local community and local entrepreneurs

    On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Ehab Awad, Chief Operating Officer for Best Furniture Outlet in Lansing, an SBAM Elite Member. The large family-owned store is described as one of the biggest furniture stores in Michigan. He says Best Furniture Outlet differentiates itself by believing the community is the core of business and focuses on giving back beyond discounts. “On May 17 we're bringing in a car show with over 70 vehicles in collaboration with Capital City Muscle,” he says. “And the best part of all we do support local businesses as well. So we're going to have 35 local vendors, new LLC's, new entrepreneurs.”  The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan’s small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We’re located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol. Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own.  Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it! (music licensed from www.jukedeck.com)

    12 min
  2. Selling or buying a business – advice on getting the most out of your investment

    MAY 4

    Selling or buying a business – advice on getting the most out of your investment

    On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Kalyan Rachakonda, owner of Transworld Business Advisors of Sterling Heights. He's a VIP member of the Small Business Association of Michigan. The firm helps business owners sell their businesses confidentially and at the best valuation, while also assisting buyers. Rachakonda says that despite economic uncertainty, deals are still happening, and financing is available, including SBA loans and seller financing, although lenders may be more selective. Planning to sell your business? He emphasizes that business owners should plan for an exit several years in advance, ideally three, to maximize returns and manage the process smoothly.  The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan’s small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We’re located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol. Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own.  Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it! (music licensed from www.jukedeck.com)

    12 min
  3. Award-winning strategic focus efforts help winery grow and succeed

    APR 27

    Award-winning strategic focus efforts help winery grow and succeed

    On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Ginny and Matt Sherrow, owners of Fenton Winery and Brewery and Dream Machine Distillery, recognized by Michigan Celebrates Small Business with a Michigan 50 Distinguished Alumni Award – Strategically Focused. They credit their continued success to diversification (adding a distillery in 2022) and hiring outstanding people. Ginny emphasizes their mission, saying it’s “to be a part of your story" and highlights their apprenticeship program, noting that “it’s been really fantastic." They also discussed navigating cumbersome regulations and planning a new event center.  The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan’s small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We’re located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol. Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own.  Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it! (music licensed from www.jukedeck.com)

    9 min
  4. The keys to business success for an award-winning disability-owned small business

    APR 21

    The keys to business success for an award-winning disability-owned small business

    On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Justin Caine, the owner of Good Fruit Video, recently recognized by Michigan Celebrate Small Business as the Disability-Owned Small Business of the Year. Caine discusses the importance of video marketing and his journey as a business owner with a disability. He highlights the power of video for engaging audiences and conveying information effectively, stating that "when you are hearing something and you're seeing it at the same time, that's just doubling the power of what's going on." Regarding his award and efforts to improve disability awareness, Keane says "My whole goal when I started was to be successful despite being a person with disabilities. As time went on, I  recognized that actually being a person with a disability was not a negative thing, it was a differentiator."  The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan’s small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We’re located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol. Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own.  Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it! (music licensed from www.jukedeck.com)

    16 min
  5. A process-driven approach to marketing success

    APR 10

    A process-driven approach to marketing success

    On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Lisa Smith and Angelique Duphene of Inverve Marketing, recently recognized by Michigan Celebrates Small Business as a Woman-Owned Business of the Year. They are strong believers in data-driven and goal-oriented marketing. “It's really hard to start that journey without understanding who your customers are, having them documented and building a database of them, and understanding who you know and what they need from there,” Smith says. “Once you understand who your customer is, who is that ideal customer, then when you marry that up with the goals of your business like your revenue goals and your inventory goals or whatever, then you can then you can start to put a path together.” The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan’s small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We’re located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol. Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own.  Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it! (music licensed from www.jukedeck.com)

    14 min
  6. Pickleball pioneers power their way to growth and success

    APR 8

    Pickleball pioneers power their way to growth and success

    On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Christy Howden, the CEO and co-founder of very successful and growing Wolverine Pickleball in Ann Arbor. She and her company and her co-founder Leslie White were recently profiled in the SBAM Focus Magazine. “We started before everyone knew what pickleball was,” Howden says. “So, we really had to make a market. Starting small, it doesn't have to be perfect to start. I think one of the biggest keys for any small business is that you don't need to start at the top. It's better to do low stakes and figure out how you can work with resources that are easily available. Just experiment.” The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan’s small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We’re located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol. Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own.  Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it! (music licensed from www.jukedeck.com)

    11 min
  7. Business success strategies from start-up to exit

    MAR 31

    Business success strategies from start-up to exit

    On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with business consultant Alisha Congioloso, a member of SBAM's Leadership Council and owner of Biz iQologly. She is committed to helping business owners develop independent decision-making skills, understand the critical importance of employee development and retention in today's business environment, and focus on exit planning as an integral part of a business strategy from its inception. She also shared information about her initiative, the Impact Business Community, which provides a platform for business owners to educate each other and build strategic partnerships The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan’s small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We’re located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol. Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own.  Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it! (music licensed from www.jukedeck.com)

    14 min
  8. Good employees are the foundation of this VIP cleaning services firm

    MAR 24

    Good employees are the foundation of this VIP cleaning services firm

    On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Lainie Buckles, owner of Domestic Divas Cleaning Services. They are VIP members of the Small Business Association of Michigan. Buckles’ business depends on good reliable workers. “Our company culture is all about making our team feel like the unicorns that they are,” she says. “We foster an environment of inclusivity, respect and teamwork. And I'm always looking for ways to show my support and appreciation for my team. We offer competitive pay, benefits, bonuses, incentives and opportunities for growth. We create a workplace that keeps employees motivated so that they stay long term. Our focus on building a supportive atmosphere helps attract the right people and keeps them happy and loyal to the company.” The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan’s small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We’re located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol. Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own.  Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it! (music licensed from www.jukedeck.com)

    7 min
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“The Small Business Association of Michigan’s Entrepreneurial Insights” every week presents a dynamic audio interview from a top-notch expert on entrepreneurial success. Hear great tips and advice on how to be a more effective small business owner. The program is hosted and produced by the Small Business Association of Michigan's Vice President Communications Michael Rogers

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